Demand for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, semiconductors and renewable energy systems is increasing globally as Uzbekistan expands mining and processing projects across several industrial regions.
According to official figures, more than 30 types of critical minerals have been identified in the country, with 76 investment projects currently underway involving 28 rare elements, valued at around €2.4 billion.
Mineral-rich regions such as Almalyk, Navoi and Surkhandarya contain deposits of copper, molybdenum, tungsten, lithium, niobium, tantalum, rhenium and other rare metals.
Industrial base and production history
A key player in the sector is the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, one of the largest industrial enterprises in Central Asia and a major copper producer. The complex combines mining, processing and smelting operations within a single production system.
